THE joint administrators at Hestercombe House and Gardens will be making a decision later this year about the winter events, which were cancelled in 2025.
Hestercombe, near Taunton, is a historic estate featuring a 16th-century house and gardens spanning four centuries of design, which is open to the public as a visitor attraction and wedding venue.
Every year, thousands flocked to Hestercombe to catch a glimpse of the popular Illuminate light show and explore the annual Christmas market.
However, since Hestercombe went into administration in August, 2025, and the trust declared the estate is ‘no longer viable under its current operation model’, the future of events has been uncertain.
The team at Forvis Mazars, who were appointed as joint administrators by the directors and trustees, announced in November 2025 that there would be no festive events.
This month (April 2026), the team at Forvis Mazards issued an update saying Hestercombe remains open to visitors and is training on a ‘business-as-usual basis’.
The team has said it continues to work towards a long-term solution, with weddings, exhibitions and events continuing to take place this year.
They also said a decision will be made later in the year regarding the Christmas Market and Illumination event.
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A spokesperson said: “Hestercombe Gardens remains open to welcome visitors and is trading on a business-as-usual basis.
“The Administrators continue to work towards a long-term solution to exit administration and secure Hestercombe’s future as a popular visitor attraction, events venue, and important heritage asset.
“Weddings and an exciting range of exhibitions and events will continue to take place at the venue this year.
“A decision will be made later in 2026 regarding the Christmas Market and Illumination event.”
In terms of other events taking place, this year’s exhibitions will be:
- Layers of Time: The Gardens of Hestercombe – uncover four centuries of landscape evolution.
- Arcadian Visions: The Art of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde – step into the world of the 18th-century artist and garden designer.
- The Portman Family and Their Estate – discover the family who transformed Hestercombe.
- The Lighter Side – a photographic exhibition celebrating joy and wellbeing.
- Shared Light – a collaboration with Reflect, highlighting creativity and connection.
- RGB: Green and upcoming Blue – contemporary explorations of colour, light, and landscape by artist Lizzie Philps.
Later in the year, further exhibitions will take place exploring ‘key historical moments’, including Hestercombe at War and the estate’s role as headquarters for the Devon and Somerset Fire Brigade.
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